Hollywood Gelato

Hollywood Gelato is proof that gelato is not simply a Toronto trend. Naturally made, made-from-scratch, freshly prepared gelato, that is. Hollywood Gelato has been around for eons compared to all the new gelato shops sprouting up around the city. Founded in 2001, the South Bayview shop is a family operation and offers 22 gelato flavours in store, with new varieties often popping up all the time.

I made my most recent trip to Hollywood Gelato on a sweltering afternoon when like-minded individuals had already taken up on the shop's patio, which stretches across Bayview and along Manor Road. Hollywood Gelato won my allegiance at its front entrance, where a big metal bowl was filled to the brim for thirsty canines in the area. A simple gesture, but it always makes a shop feel homey. So much so that I almost didn't notice the mechanical peddling duck encased half in glass to welcome customers. Almost.

Inside, Hollywood Gelato looks as a fun family shop should. White and green booths, raised tables, high stools, and colourful displays low enough for little eyes. It has all the staples, such as dairy-free Raspberry, Mango, Lemon, and other fruit flavours, as well as Mint Chocolate Chip, Hazelnut, Cappuccino and Tiramisu. The associate manager tells me Rocky Rocher is a regular favourite, as well as some of the more unique flavours including Brownie Batter Chocolate Candy, Peanut Butter Chocolate Wafer, and Twix.

The owners of Hollywood Gelato have also been working for years to develop their signature Quantum Gelato, which comes packaged in its own 150ml little cup. The gelato, which comes in Chocolate and Cappuccino, has been developed to be very high in fibre (9g), high in protein (20g), and low in fat (2g). The look of the fresh lemon gelato trumps all of those details for me, and I order a small scoop ($3.95/$4.95/$5.95).

The lemon gelato is so good it honestly reminds me of the gelato I've experienced in Italy (and yes, "experienced" is the right word). It's ripe with lemon flavour and sweetness, and just a hint of sour rounding out the taste. According to the staff, a scoop of the lemon gelato is great in a glass of Hollywood Gelato's homemade iced tea. The shop also serves affogatos ($4.00) and other specialty coffee drinks, as well as smoothies, milkshakes, and Dufflet pastries.

I love the variety of flavours at Hollywood Gelato. You can never go wrong with any of them, they all taste amazing! They also taste like what they're supposed to taste like. The raspberry, coconut creme pie and key lime pie flavours are my favourite! They give you reasonable portions for the price, not to much or too little. They definitely take gelato to a whole new level.

I've tasted the most amazing italian ice cream ever every time i go to Italy... for those of you who want to know the truth, Hollywood Gelato is identical to italian gelato... maybe the person who commented on the bad experienc after she was in Italy for three weeks had italian ice cream - theres a difference between the two and in italy it is actually quite difficult to find "gelateria's" around, especially in large tourist areas.
most people love the gelato at La Paloma here in Woodbridge, but Hollywood Gelato's is much better!
The prices include taxes as well... and for italian made gelato - the prices you pay are worth it... think of it this way, in Italy, you would pay 3-5 euro's for a cup of gelato (which works out here to be roughly $5-9... so ur not getting ripped off at all!

Hollywood Gelato is where it's at! Family friendy, delicious, and most importantly, a good price. For $4.95 (tax included) you get a giiiiiant serving (this is only the regular size!) with three flavor choices. Best deal you can get compared to other gelato places which can be well over $5 leaving you craving more.

I do not know if this is still the case, however I used to work there briefly back in 2007 and they seriously mistreated their staff, who would work nine hour shifts with a short, and often interrupted ten minute break spent standing in a broom closet. Staff were not permitted to leave the premises to go buy a meal, and they had cameras pointing towards the staff - what are they going to do, steal a spoonful of gelato? It was horrendous, and most of the staff they hire don't know any better. Despite all this it is good tasting gelato, but the thought of how the staff might be treated really turns me off of giving them my business.

I'll say this with all the gelato places in Toronto opening up, unless you live near there go somewhere else. The staff is rude and reading how they are treated us rob ably white people are rude. Bottom line if you'll drive here, drive a little further and GO SOMEWHERE ELSE

Love love love this place! We moved in the area in November and tried it a couple times, but since the warmer weather has arrived it's hot spot for sure! You're best bet is to walk/TTC over as it's almost impossible to get parking in the area.

All the flavours are amazing, but I always go with a good fruit combo.

I worked here as well a couple years and have to agree they seriously mistreat staff. I wasn't allowed to sit down other than my 10 minute break. My boss would tell me to wash the dishes and would not mention that there was bleach in it (which I'm very allegoric to and he knew that) then after laughed about it. The managers would get more of the tip out even though I worked longer shifts (would only make around 15$/ bi weekly in tips) when they would make 80+. We also weren't allowed to eat any samples of the gelato or we would get yelled at. They were incredibly rude telling me I was a horrible worker all the time and that no one would ever hire to because I did such a horrible job.. well now i'm a store manager at my new store so clearly they were wrong. DO NOT SUPPORT THIS BUSINESS THEY MISTREAT THEIR STAFF!! Oh, and they also have bug infestations on the regular that they make staff clean the store with bleach (they are too cheap to get a professional to come in.) Enjoy your bug gelato!